Basketball
SportsMonkie Basketball Desk
The SportsMonkie Basketball Desk covers the NBA, WNBA and the wider game — players, records, rules and rankings — with figures checked against official NBA and league statistics.
Articles by SportsMonkie Basketball Desk (224)
Cason Wallace Agrees to Five-Year, $139 Million Extension With the Thunder
Cason Wallace and the Oklahoma City Thunder agreed a five-year, $139 million extension on Sunday, one day before the deadline. The cap bill comes later.
Ben Simmons Tears Right Achilles in Kings Practice, Three Days Before the Season Opener
The Kings said an MRI confirmed Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon in a practice drill on Sunday. Surgery is next, and ESPN reports his comeback season is likely over.
Gabby Williams Took the Hit, Kept Her Feet and Closed Game 1 of the WNBA Finals
Gabby Williams was knocked down by Jordin Canada's box-out with 2:15 left in Finals Game 1, no foul was called, and she sealed Golden State's win at the line.
Steve Kerr's Lookalike Is Back: Steve Gillis Stops the Warriors Coach Cold in Las Vegas
Steve Kerr froze for five seconds when his lookalike Steve Gillis took a seat behind the Warriors bench in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas teacher first went viral in 2024.
Cam Johnson Ejected for an Elbow on Austin Reaves That Surprised Even Reaves
Cam Johnson was ejected from the Nuggets' preseason finale after a review upgraded his elbow on Austin Reaves to a Flagrant 2 that surprised the man he hit.
NBA Bans Under Parlays, First-Basket Bets and Tip-Off Wagers in Integrity Clampdown
The NBA has told its sportsbook partners to remove under parlays on one player, unders on sub-12-minute players and first-of bets after the gambling scandals.
Wembanyama Throws a Self Alley-Oop Off the Glass in the Spurs' Preseason Finale
Victor Wembanyama blocked a shot, went coast to coast in four dribbles and threw himself an alley-oop off the backboard in San Antonio's preseason finale against Sacramento.
Columbia Suspends Griffith for Three Games, and Her Players Publicly Back Her
Columbia suspended Megan Griffith for the first three games after an outside review of practice conduct, and her players answered with a statement of support.
Haliburton's Hot-Mic Taunt at Rollins Earns Double Technicals 75 Seconds Into the Finale
Tyrese Haliburton was shoved to the floor by Ryan Rollins 75 seconds into the preseason finale, answered with a hot-mic taunt and a three, and took a technical in his comeback week.
Zaragoza Says Mara Is Still Under Contract, the Thunder Say He Needs No Clearance
Basket Zaragoza says Aday Mara cannot play in the NBA without its clearance. Oklahoma City says his three NCAA seasons mean none is required.
Warriors Rookie Lendeborg Was 'Spooked' to Guard Doncic, Then Doncic Sat Out
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg was told he would guard Luka Doncic, admitted he was spooked, then Doncic rested and he guarded Walker Kessler instead.
Redick Says Bronny James Has Not Played Well, and Points at the Group Around Him
JJ Redick gave Bronny James an honest preseason verdict, then blamed the lineups around him. Fans heard a coach throwing the bench under the bus.
Scottie Barnes Loses His Pants on a Warmup 360 Dunk, Then Scores 19 Against the Knicks
Scottie Barnes lost his pants on a warmup 360 dunk before Toronto faced New York, laughed at the photo on Instagram, then scored 19 in a 148-98 win.
Kawhi Leonard Scores 21 in 16 Minutes in His Raptors Return, Seven Years After Leaving
Kawhi Leonard's first Raptors game since the 2019 Finals came on Tuesday in Toronto: 21 points in 16 minutes, the loudest ovation of the night, and a trade that took all summer.
Gilgeous-Alexander Gets the Push-Off Call the Whole League Was Waiting For
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was called for a push-off against Indiana on Tuesday, the marquee name in the NBA's new off-arm emphasis, under the Four Fs framework.
Brunson Gets a Flopping Technical After a Gobert Push and Calls It 'Bulls---'
Jalen Brunson was pushed in the back by Rudy Gobert, sprawled forward, and was then called for flopping in the Knicks' preseason loss to Minnesota.
Green Reveals His Viral Sideline Warning to Acuff: Don't Have Many of Those
Draymond Green says his viral sideline talk with Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. was a warning that ball-dominant possessions can turn teammates against a rookie.
NBA Players Fear Wearable Tech Data Could Be Used Against Them in Contract Talks
Adam Silver says the NBA and the Players Association have no agreement on wearable tech in games, because players fear their own data could be used in bargaining.
Silver's Smart Ball Puts a One-Gram Chip Inside the NBA's Ball, and Fans Smell a Magnet
Adam Silver says the NBA is testing a Wilson smart ball with a one-gram chip that tracks spin and trajectory, could help officials as soon as next year, and has fans joking about magnet balls.
Porzingis Is Back Around the Warriors, Still Out Indefinitely With No Timeline
Kristaps Porzingis returned to the Warriors' facility and met Dunleavy and Celebrini on Tuesday. The team says he remains out indefinitely, and he says he is getting better.
Jaylen Brown Watches His Boston Return From the Locker Room as Fans Call Him Dramatic
Jaylen Brown's first game back at TD Garden as a 76er ended with him resting, off the bench and watching from the locker room while Celtics fans mocked the absence.
Kyrie Irving Scores 17 in His First Game in 586 Days as Dallas Win in Macao
Kyrie Irving returned after 586 days out with a torn ACL, scoring 17 points in 22 minutes in Dallas's 132-115 preseason win over Houston in Macao.
Caleb Wilson Drops a Defender and Scores 20 in the Second Half After One in the First
Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson had one point at half-time in Memphis, then 20 after it, a viral ankle-breaker three in the last minute and the final shot.
Jaylen Brown Injury Rumor Spreads After 76ers Scare: What We Know
A viral Facebook post claims Jaylen Brown will miss the whole 2026-27 season with a knee injury. He finished the Nets game as Philadelphia's top scorer.
Dalen Terry Plays 43 Preseason Minutes on an Exhibit 10 Deal, Chasing Jimmy Butler's 48
Exhibit 10 guard Dalen Terry played 43 of 48 minutes for the nine-man Warriors in Portland, nearing Jimmy Butler's 2012 preseason record of playing all 48.
Naji Marshall Breaks a Rim and a Folding Chair at the Mavericks' First Practice in Macao
Naji Marshall brought down a rim, signed it, then broke a folding chair at Dallas's first Macao practice, as ESPN's China Games highlights recap confirms.
Embiid Falls Into Jaylen Brown in a First-Quarter Scare on the 76ers' Lineup Debut Night
Joel Embiid was pushed in the back and fell into new team-mate Jaylen Brown, who stayed down holding his right knee before playing on and leading the 76ers with 18.
Liberty Say They Were Told No Reset Timeout, Officials Say No One Asked in 101-98 Loss
New York say officials told them no reset timeout remained in overtime, the pool report says the opposite, and the Liberty have filed an inquiry down 2-0 to Atlanta.
WNBA Ratings Drop Claim Spreads After Caitlin Clark's Exit: What We Know
A viral post claimed WNBA playoff viewership fell 70-76% after Caitlin Clark's Fever were eliminated. The like-for-like numbers show a 44-47% drop.
Doncic Crosses Sabonis Out of His Shoe and Points at It in Lakers Preseason Opener
Luka Doncic scored 21 points in 16 minutes in the Lakers' preseason opener, and the viral moment was a step-back three after Domantas Sabonis stumbled out of his shoe, which Doncic then pointed at.
Jokic Gets the Technical After Hayes Shoves Him First in Nuggets-Jazz Preseason Clash
Jaxson Hayes shoved Nikola Jokic to create space in the second quarter in Utah, no foul was called, and Jokic's retaliation drew the technical in Denver's 117-106 win.
Dillon Brooks and John Collins Scuffle Less Than Five Minutes Into Suns-Pistons Preseason Opener
Dillon Brooks drew a technical and John Collins a flagrant 1 less than five minutes into the Suns-Pistons preseason opener in Detroit on October 5.
LeBron James Denies He Called Out Joel Embiid for Being Late: 'Stop the Lies'
LeBron James used Instagram to deny a broadcast story that he let Joel Embiid 'hear it' for arriving late to a 76ers practice: 'He ain't been late.'
Karl-Anthony Towns Says Knicks Extension Talks 'Don't Look Good' After Title Win
Karl-Anthony Towns says he is nowhere close to a Knicks extension, with New York reportedly offering about $200m against a $276m maximum after a title season.
Sophie Cunningham Tells A'ja Wilson to 'Grow Up' and Claims a Double Standard Over the Fan Incident
Sophie Cunningham used her podcast to call A'ja Wilson's confrontation with a Fever fan a double standard, saying Wilson is the league's LeBron and was never going to be suspended.
Trail Blazers Give Travis Demers a Trial Run as TV Voice After the Braiden Bell Firing
Portland has turned to its radio voice of seven seasons, Travis Demers, as its television play-by-play announcer on a trial basis after the Braiden Bell same-day firing.
Scottie Barnes Gets First Push-Off Call as NBA's New Emphasis Debuts in Preseason Opener
Scottie Barnes was whistled for an off-arm push-off inside two minutes of the Raptors' preseason opener, the first call under the NBA's new point of emphasis.
What Is an Alley-Oop in Basketball? Pass, Lob, and Finish
An alley-oop is a basketball play in which one player throws a high pass near the rim and a teammate catches it in the air for a finish.
What Is Goaltending in Basketball? Defensive and Offensive Rules
Goaltending is illegal contact with a shot on its downward flight or near the rim; the rule also covers interference with a ball on the cylinder.
What Is Traveling in Basketball? Footwork Rules Explained
Traveling is an illegal movement with the ball caused by taking extra steps or moving the pivot foot beyond what the basketball rules allow.
What Is a 3-Second Violation in Basketball?
A three-second violation prevents an offensive player from staying in the opponent’s restricted area for too long while the team controls the ball.
Technical Foul vs Flagrant Foul in Basketball
Technical fouls punish unsporting or procedural conduct; flagrant fouls involve excessive or unnecessary contact and carry different penalties.
12 Basketball Dribbling Drills to Build Elite Handles
The best basketball dribbling drills ranked by skill transfer: pound, crossover, figure-8, two-ball, and full-court change-of-pace work with reps and coaching cues.
10 Basketball Shooting Drills to Sharpen Your Shot
Ten basketball shooting drills ranked from foundation to game speed: form shooting, the Mikan drill, catch-and-shoot, off-screen, pull-ups, and pressure free throws.
Proper Basketball Shooting Form: A Step-by-Step Guide
Master proper basketball shooting form with clear cues for your feet, elbow alignment, guide hand, and wrist snap, plus how to build a repeatable one-motion shot.
How to Do a Crossover Dribble: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to do a crossover dribble that actually breaks defenders: the low hard bounce, the setup that sells, ball protection, and how to score off it.
Double Dribble Rule in Basketball, Explained
The double dribble rule bans dribbling with two hands or dribbling again after you stop. Learn the two ways it happens, the penalty, and carry vs. double dribble.
Free Throw Technique: A Repeatable Pre-Shot Routine
Master free throw technique with a repeatable pre-shot routine, alignment to the nail, clean mechanics, and controlled breathing to raise your percentage fast.
How to Do a Layup: Footwork, Steps & Off-Hand Finish
Learn how to do a layup step by step: the one-two footwork, correct takeoff foot, off-hand finishes, and how to use the backboard box to score at the rim.
How to Dribble a Basketball: Control, Speed, Weak Hand
Learn how to dribble a basketball with fingertip control, a low hard bounce, and eyes up. Step-by-step cues plus weak-hand drills to build a real handle.
How to Shoot a Basketball Better: Fix Flat Shots Fast
Learn how to shoot a basketball better by fixing flat shots, tightening footwork off the catch, and building a practice routine that makes your jumper repeatable.
How to Shoot a Basketball: Perfect Form Step by Step
Learn how to shoot a basketball with perfect form: master BEEF, balanced stance, a straight-up release, 45-degree arc, and follow-through to make more shots.
Jump Shot Technique: Elevation, Set Point, Release
Master jump shot technique with real coaching cues for footwork, set point, elevation, and releasing at the peak—for both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble shots.
How to Shoot a Three-Pointer: Range, Power & Footwork
Learn how to shoot a three-pointer with a legs-driven stroke, clean footwork behind the line, and a range-building plan that keeps your form the same at 24 feet.
Types of Shots in Basketball: 10 Every Player Needs
The 10 essential types of shots in basketball, from layups and jump shots to floaters, hooks, fadeaways and dunks, with coaching cues and when to use each.
Box Jump Workout: How to Box Jump Safely and Program It Right
A box jump workout starts with a modest box height, a controlled landing in a soft quarter-squat, and stepping down (never jumping down) — done for low reps with full rest so every rep stays explosive.
How High Do You Have to Jump to Dunk? (By Height)
How high you have to jump to dunk depends on your standing reach: an average 6-foot player needs about a 24-inch vertical, while a 5-foot-10 player needs closer to 28-30 inches. Here's the exact math by height.
How to Dunk a Basketball: The Jump, Approach & Training Plan
How to dunk a basketball comes down to one number: your standing reach plus your vertical leap has to clear the 10-foot rim. Here's the math, the approach mechanics, and a realistic training path to your first dunk.
How to Increase Vertical for Basketball: A 12-Week Jump Program
To increase your vertical for basketball, combine heavy lower-body strength, explosive plyometrics, and hip mobility three days a week. Here is the exact program, cues, and mistakes to avoid.
How to Jump Higher: The Complete Vertical Jump Training Guide
How to jump higher comes down to three trainable factors: leg and hip strength, explosive power (plyometrics), and jump technique — trained together in a structured program over 6 to 12 weeks.
10 Plyometric Box Jump Exercises to Build Explosive Power
Plyometric box jump exercises train explosive power fast: box jumps for takeoff, depth jumps for reactive strength, and lateral box jumps for multi-directional force. Here are 10 box drills, ranked by difficulty.
10 Best Plyometric Exercises for Basketball (Ranked for Explosive Jumping)
The best plyometric exercises for basketball build reactive, explosive power to jump higher and move quicker. Here are 10 drills ranked by real on-court carryover.
8 Best Plyometric Exercises for Dunking (Ranked by Carryover)
The best plyometric exercises for dunking are depth jumps, single-leg bounds, and approach jumps — the moves that train the fast, one-leg takeoff a dunk actually uses. Here are 8, ranked by how directly they add rim-clearing vertical.
The Best Plyometric Exercises for Vertical Jump
The best plyometric exercises for vertical jump train your legs to produce force faster, not just harder. Here are 9 ranked plyos with form cues, sets, reps and a progression plan.
10 Vertical Jump Exercises at Home (No Equipment Needed)
The best vertical jump exercises at home need no equipment: squat jumps, split-squat jumps, calf raises, and broad jumps build strength and power in a small space. Here are 10 moves plus a weekly plan.
Vertical Jump Strength Training: The Lifts That Actually Raise Your Jump
Vertical jump strength training builds the raw leg and hip force that plyometrics later convert into height — centered on the squat, trap-bar deadlift, hip thrust, RDL, and split squat, trained heavy 2-3 times a week.
Vertical Jump Workout Plan: An 8-Week Program to Jump Higher
This vertical jump workout plan schedules strength, plyometrics, and technique across 8 weeks — three phases, exact sets and reps, and two jump days a week — to add real inches to your vertical.
1-3-1 Zone Defense in Basketball: Alignment, Roles & How to Attack It
The 1-3-1 zone defense explained: player alignment, roles, traps, strengths, weaknesses, and how offenses beat it. A full coaching breakdown.
2-3 Zone Defense in Basketball: Alignment, Roles, and How to Attack It
The 2-3 zone defense lines up two guards up top and three defenders low, guarding areas instead of players. Here's how it works and how to beat it.
2-3 Zone vs Man-to-Man Defense: Full Basketball Comparison
2-3 zone vs man to man defense compared: coverage, pick-and-roll, 3-point defense, rebounding, and when coaches at every level pick each.
3-2 Zone Defense in Basketball: Alignment, Roles, and How to Attack It
The 3-2 zone defense explained: alignment, player roles, strengths, weaknesses, and how offenses attack this high-pressure zone.
Backdoor Cut in Basketball: Definition, When to Use It, and How to Run It
What a backdoor cut is in basketball, when players use it against overplaying defenders, and how to execute and defend it correctly.
Bank Shot in Basketball: Technique, Geometry, and Why It Works
A bank shot in basketball is a shot deliberately banked off the backboard into the hoop. Learn the aim points, angles, and players who mastered it.
Basketball Defenses and Offenses Explained: Zone, Man-to-Man, and More
Basketball defenses and offenses explained: man-to-man, zone defense in basketball, presses, and the plays teams run to attack each one.
Basketball Positions by Number (1-5): The Complete Guide
Basketball positions by number: 1 is point guard, 2 shooting guard, 3 small forward, 4 power forward, 5 center. Learn the system and how coaches use it.
Basketball Positions Explained: All 5 Roles, Numbers & Duties
Basketball positions explained: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center — roles, the 1-5 numbering, and positionless basketball.
Basketball Referee Signals: The Complete Guide to Every Hand Signal
Basketball referee signals explained: scoring, traveling, double dribble, blocking, charging, holding, shot-clock violations, and technical fouls.
8 Best Basketball Offenses for Youth Teams (Ranked)
The best basketball offenses for youth teams are spacing-first systems like 5-out, 4-out 1-in, and Read & React that teach reads instead of memorized plays.
Box Out in Basketball: The Complete Rebounding Technique Guide
Learn how to box out in basketball with a step-by-step technique, common mistakes, and drills that turn positioning into extra rebounds.
Center Position in Basketball: Role, Skills & Famous Centers
The center position in basketball is the interior anchor who protects the rim, rebounds, screens, and finishes near the basket. Here's the full breakdown.
Euro Step in Basketball: Rules, Footwork, and How to Do It
The euro step in basketball is a legal two-step move where a driver picks up the dribble and steps one way, then the other, to dodge a defender.
What Is a Fadeaway in Basketball? Technique, History & Best Shooters
A fadeaway in basketball is a jump shot taken while leaping backward, away from the defender, to create space. How it works, technique, and top shooters.
Finger Roll in Basketball: Technique, History & How to Shoot One
A finger roll in basketball is a one-handed layup released off the fingertips with soft backspin so it arcs high over defenders. Full technique guide.
Floater in Basketball: What It Is and How to Shoot One
A floater in basketball is a high, soft one-handed shot lofted over a taller defender before the rim. Learn the technique, when to use it, and the NBA masters.
Full Court Press in Basketball: Types, Alignment, and How to Break It
A full court press pressures the ball the entire length of the court. Learn how a full court press works, its formations (2-2-1, 1-2-1-1, 1-3-1), and counters.
What Is a Give and Go in Basketball? How It Works
A give and go in basketball is a pass, cut, and return-pass play between two players. See how it works, why it's so hard to stop, and how to defend it.
Help Defense in Basketball: How It Works, Positioning, and Key Rules
Help defense is when off-ball defenders shift toward the ball to stop dribble penetration. Learn positioning, rotations, stunts, tags, and closeouts.
Hook Shot in Basketball: Technique, Skyhook, and Why It's Unblockable
The hook shot in basketball is a one-handed shot released in a sweeping arc with the shooter's body shielding the ball from the defender.
Man-to-Man Defense in Basketball: Rules, Roles, and How It Works
Man to man defense explained: on-ball, denial, and help roles, stance, closeouts, and how it differs from zone. Full breakdown with drills and FAQs.
Motion Offense in Basketball Explained: Rules, Alignment & Keys
What is a motion offense in basketball? Learn the rules, spacing, formations (5-out, 4-out 1-in), player roles, strengths, weaknesses, and how to run it.
Off-Ball Screens in Basketball: Types, Alignment & How to Use Them
A basketball screen set away from the ball is an off-ball screen. Learn the down, back, flare, cross, and elevator screens with alignment, roles, and counters.
What Is a Post Up in Basketball? Post Moves and How to Defend It
A post up in basketball is when a player backs their defender down near the basket to score. Learn how to post up, key post moves, and how to defend it.
Step-Back Jumper in Basketball: Footwork, Travel Rule, and Famous Users
A step-back jumper is a move where a ball-handler dribbles at a defender, then pushes backward to create space for a jump shot. Here's the footwork and rules.
Triangle Offense Explained: Formation, Roles, and How It Works
The triangle offense uses a three-player sideline triangle plus a two-man weak side to read defenses. Full breakdown of alignment, roles, and strategy.
Types of Basketball Shots: Every Shot Explained
The main types of basketball shots are the layup, jump shot, three-pointer, dunk, floater, hook shot, bank shot, fadeaway, step-back, and euro-step.
What Is a Layup in Basketball? Footwork, Types & Why It Scores
What is a layup in basketball? A close-range shot laid or banked off the glass after a drive. Learn the footwork, overhand vs. underhand, and variations.
What Is a Point Guard in Basketball? Role, Skills & Famous PGs
A point guard is basketball's floor general — the primary ball-handler who runs the offense. Learn the role, key skills, and famous PGs.
What Is a Power Forward in Basketball? The 4 Position Explained
A power forward (the '4') is basketball's versatile big man — rebounding, defending, scoring in the post, and increasingly shooting threes.
What Is a Shooting Guard in Basketball? Role, Skills & Examples
A shooting guard is basketball's primary perimeter scorer — the '2' who shoots off the catch and dribble, hits threes, and guards the wing.
What Is a Small Forward in Basketball? Role, Skills & Best Players
A small forward is basketball's most versatile position (the '3'), scoring inside and out, defending multiple spots, and rebounding on the wing.
What Is an Alley-Oop in Basketball? Definition, Technique & Famous Duos
What is an alley oop? A lob pass caught above the rim and finished with a dunk or layup in one motion. Learn the technique, timing, and top NBA/WNBA duos.
How Do the NBA Playoffs Work? Format Explained
The NBA playoffs are a 16-team, best-of-seven bracket: eight teams per conference, four rounds, ending in the NBA Finals. Seeds 7–10 reach it via the play-in.
How Does the NBA Draft Lottery Work?
The NBA draft lottery is a weighted random draw among the 14 non-playoff teams for the top four picks. The worst teams share the best odds, but nothing is guaranteed.
NBA Play-In Tournament Explained
The NBA play-in tournament decides the 7 and 8 seeds in each conference. Teams that finish 7th–10th play a short knockout for the last two playoff spots.
True Shooting Percentage Explained (TS% Formula)
True shooting percentage measures scoring efficiency across 2s, 3s, and free throws in one number. Here is the TS% formula, an example, and what is elite.
What Is a Charge in Basketball? Charge vs. Block
A charge is an offensive foul called when a ball handler runs into a defender who has established legal guarding position. Here's the charge vs. block rule.
What Is a Flagrant Foul in Basketball?
A flagrant foul is unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent. Flagrant 1 gives free throws and possession; Flagrant 2 adds an automatic ejection.
What Is Effective Field Goal Percentage? eFG% Explained
Effective field goal percentage credits the 3-pointer's extra value. Here is the eFG% formula, a worked example, and how it differs from true shooting.
What Is Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in Basketball?
PER is Hollinger's per-minute rating that sums a player's box-score value into one number, with league average set to 15. How it works and its limits.
What Is Usage Rate in Basketball? USG% Explained
Usage rate is the share of team possessions a player uses while on the floor. Here is the formula, a worked example, and what counts as high usage.
WNBA Salary Cap Explained: Max Salaries & Supermax
The WNBA uses a hard-style salary cap with a team spending limit and capped individual max salaries far below the NBA. A new CBA is set to raise both sharply.
Highest-Paid NBA Coaches: Reported Salaries
Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich top NBA coaching pay, both reported near $16-17M a year. Full table, with every figure flagged as an estimate.
Highest-Paid NBA Players by Salary
Stephen Curry leads the NBA at about $59.6M for 2025-26, the biggest single-season salary ever. See the full supermax top nine and why salary isn't net worth.
How the NBA Salary Cap Works: Soft Cap and Exceptions
The NBA salary cap is soft: teams can exceed it using exceptions like Bird rights and the mid-level. Here's the 2025-26 cap and how the main exceptions work.
Longest College Basketball Winning Streak
UConn's women won 111 straight games (2014-2017), the NCAA D-I record for either gender. UCLA's men hold the men's mark at 88 (1971-1974). Full verified leaderboards for both.
Longest Winning Streak in NBA Playoffs: Ranked
The 2017 Warriors won 15 straight playoff games, the NBA record. The 2026 Knicks came closest with 13. All 10 longest single-postseason streaks, ranked.
Most Points in an NBA Game: Wilt's 100
Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA game on March 2, 1962, the all-time record. Kobe's 81 leads the modern era. Full table.
Most Points in an NBA Season: Wilt's 4,029
Wilt Chamberlain holds the NBA single-season scoring record with 4,029 points in 1961-62, at 50.4 per game. Full table of the highest-scoring seasons.
NBA First and Second Apron Explained: The New Roster Limits
The NBA's first and second apron are spending lines above the tax that trigger roster penalties, from a lost mid-level to frozen draft picks. Here's what each blocks.
NBA Luxury Tax Explained: How the Repeater Rates Work
The NBA luxury tax charges teams that spend above the tax line at escalating per-dollar rates. Here's the 2025-26 bracket table and the repeater penalty.
NCAA Basketball Undefeated Seasons
Indiana's 1976 team was the last men's D-I side to finish a perfect season, going 32-0. The full list of undefeated national champions.
The 50-40-90 Club in the NBA (Every Season)
Steve Nash leads the NBA 50-40-90 club with four seasons. Nine players have shot 50% FG, 40% 3PT and 90% FT in a season. The full list, explained.
Back-to-Back NBA Champions (Every Repeat Winner)
The Boston Celtics won eight straight NBA titles from 1959-1966. Full list of back-to-back and three-peat NBA champions, and why repeating is rare.
Biggest NBA Draft Busts of All Time
Anthony Bennett, Greg Oden and Sam Bowie top most lists of the biggest NBA draft busts. What defines a bust, and the players drafted after them.
Most Consecutive Games Played in NBA History
A.C. Green holds the NBA record with 1,192 consecutive games, the 'Iron Man.' The full durability list, and why load management makes it unbreakable.
Most Consecutive NBA Championships
The Boston Celtics won eight straight NBA titles from 1959 to 1966, the record for consecutive championships in any major North American league.
Most Points by a Rookie in NBA History
Wilt Chamberlain scored 2,707 points as a rookie in 1959-60, the NBA record. Full leaderboard of top rookie scoring seasons, plus the PPG mark.
NBA Rookie of the Year Winners
Cooper Flagg won the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year, following Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. Recent winners list and the famous names who won it.
NBA Number One Draft Picks by Year (Recent List)
Cooper Flagg was the 2025 NBA number one overall pick, taken by Dallas. Full recent list of first picks, famous names, busts and the lottery explained.
Quadruple-Double in the NBA (All Four Ever)
Only four official quadruple-doubles exist in NBA history: Nate Thurmond, Alvin Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson. The full list, explained.
Youngest NBA Champion: The Full Picture
Magic Johnson is the youngest NBA Finals MVP, winning at 20 as a rookie in 1980. The youngest title-winners, from impact stars to deep-bench rookies.
What Is a 10-Day Contract in the NBA?
A 10-day contract is a short NBA deal covering up to 10 days or three games. How the pay works, the two-contract limit and why teams use them, explained.
The 1995-96 Bulls' 72-10 Season
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls went 72-10 and won the title, a record that stood until the Warriors' 73-9. The season and playoff run, explained.
The 2015-16 Warriors' 73-9 Season
The 2015-16 Warriors went 73-9, the best regular-season record in NBA history, then lost the Finals. How the record season unfolded, explained.
Best Regular-Season Record in NBA History
The 2015-16 Warriors went 73-9, the best regular-season record in NBA history. The full leaderboard of the winningest NBA teams, explained.
The Biggest Blowout in NBA History
The Grizzlies beat the Thunder 152-79 in 2021 for a 73-point margin, the biggest blowout in NBA history. The full ranked leaderboard of the 12 most lopsided games.
The Biggest Comeback in NBA History
The Utah Jazz erased a 36-point deficit against the Denver Nuggets in 1996, the biggest comeback in NBA history. The full leaderboard, explained.
Bird Rights in the NBA, Explained
Bird rights let an NBA team re-sign its own free agent even while over the salary cap. How the Larry Bird exception works, the 3-year rule and trades.
Box and One Defense: How It Works, When to Use It, and How to Beat It
The box and one defense mixes zone and man-to-man: four defenders form a box while one shadows the opponent's top scorer. Setup, uses, and counters.
Goaltending in Basketball: The Rule Explained
Goaltending in basketball is touching a shot on its way down above the rim. What separates a legal block from a goaltend, plus basket interference.
The Highest-Scoring NBA Game Ever: The Full Top-10 Leaderboard
The Pistons beat the Nuggets 186-184 in triple overtime in 1983 for 370 combined points, the highest-scoring NBA game ever. Ranked top 10, verified.
The Highest Vertical Jumps in the NBA
Keon Johnson set the NBA Draft Combine record with a 48-inch max vertical jump in 2021. The full leaderboard of the highest verticals ever recorded.
How Long Are WNBA Games?
A WNBA game is 40 minutes of play: four 10-minute quarters, versus the NBA's 48. In real time, about two hours. Format, overtime and clock explained.
Longest Losing Streak in NBA History
The 76ers and Pistons share the NBA record at 28 straight losses. The full leaderboard of the longest losing streaks, explained.
The Longest NBA Game Ever Played
The longest NBA game ever was Indianapolis Olympians 75, Rochester Royals 73 in six overtimes in 1951. The full list, explained.
Most NBA All-Star Appearances
LeBron James has 21 NBA All-Star selections, the most in history. The full leaderboard of the league's most-selected stars, explained.
Most Assists in a Single NBA Game
Scott Skiles dished 30 assists in 1990, still the most in a single NBA game. The full single-game assists leaderboard, ranked and explained.
Most Assists in NBA History
John Stockton holds the NBA career assists record with 15,806. The full leaderboard of the league's greatest playmakers, explained.
Most Blocks in NBA History
Hakeem Olajuwon recorded 3,830 career blocks, the most in NBA history. The full leaderboard of the league's greatest shot-blockers, explained.
Longest Win Streaks in NBA History
The 1971-72 Lakers hold the NBA record with 33 straight wins. The full leaderboard of the longest winning streaks in league history, explained.
The Biggest Contracts in NBA History
Jayson Tatum's 5-year, $314M supermax is the largest NBA contract by total value as of 2025. The full list of record deals, dated and explained.
Most Final Four Appearances (NCAA)
North Carolina leads all schools with 21 Final Four appearances, ahead of UCLA. The full leaderboard of college basketball's blue bloods.
Most NBA MVPs Ever: Complete Multiple-Winner List
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record with six NBA MVPs. See all 16 multiple winners, every award year and the updated 2026 standings.
Most NBA Championships by a Coach
Phil Jackson holds the record with 11 NBA titles as a head coach, ahead of Red Auerbach's 9. The full leaderboard of championship coaches.
Most NBA Finals Appearances by a Team
The Los Angeles Lakers lead all teams with 32 NBA Finals appearances, ahead of the Boston Celtics' 23. The full leaderboard, explained.
Most NBA Finals MVP Awards
Michael Jordan holds the record with 6 NBA Finals MVP awards, ahead of LeBron James's 4. The full leaderboard of Finals MVPs, explained.
Most NCAA Basketball Championships
UCLA has won 11 NCAA men's basketball titles, the most ever. The full leaderboard of the most NCAA basketball championships by school.
Most NCAA Tournament Wins All-Time
Kentucky leads all programs in all-time NCAA Tournament wins, and Mike Krzyzewski leads coaches with 101. The full leaderboard, explained.
Most Points in a Single NBA Game
Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in one NBA game in 1962, the all-time record. The full leaderboard of the highest-scoring games ever.
Most Points in an NBA Playoff Game
Michael Jordan scored 63 points in a 1986 playoff game, the NBA record. The full leaderboard of the highest-scoring playoff performances, explained.
Most Points in a Quarter (NBA)
Klay Thompson scored 37 points in a single quarter in 2015, the most in NBA history. The full ranked leaderboard of the highest-scoring quarters ever, verified.
Most Points in an NBA Finals Game
Elgin Baylor scored 61 points in a 1962 NBA Finals game, the all-time record. The full leaderboard of the highest-scoring Finals games ever.
Most Rebounds in NBA History
Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 23,924 career rebounds, the most in NBA history. The full leaderboard of the league's greatest rebounders, explained.
Most Rebounds in a Single NBA Game
Wilt Chamberlain grabbed 55 rebounds in one NBA game in 1960, the all-time record. The full leaderboard of the greatest rebounding performances ever.
Most Steals in NBA History
John Stockton holds the NBA career steals record with 3,265. The full leaderboard of the league's best ball-hawks, explained.
Most 3-Pointers in a Single NBA Game
Klay Thompson made 14 three-pointers in one game in 2018, an NBA record. The full leaderboard of the greatest shooting nights ever.
Most Triple-Doubles in NBA History
Russell Westbrook has 200+ triple-doubles, the most in NBA history. The full leaderboard of the league's triple-double leaders, explained.
The Oldest NBA Players in History
Nat Hickey played an NBA game at 45 in 1948, the oldest ever. Kevin Willis (44) leads the modern era. The full leaderboard, explained.
The Restricted Area in Basketball
The restricted area is a 4-foot arc under the basket where a defender can't draw a charge. What the semicircle means and how the no-charge rule works.
The Shortest NBA Players of All Time
Muggsy Bogues is the shortest NBA player ever at 5'3". The full leaderboard of the smallest players to make it in the league, explained.
Tallest NBA Players Ever: Full 7-Foot-4+ List
Muresan and Bol share the NBA height record at 7'7". See every 7'4"-plus player, tied ranks, and the current tallest roster listings.
What Is a Two-Way Contract in the NBA?
An NBA two-way contract lets a player split time between the NBA and the G League. Games limit, salary, roster rules and how it differs, explained.
What Is a Heat Check in Basketball?
A heat check is a bold, often difficult shot a player takes after making several in a row to test if they're truly 'on fire.' The term explained.
What Is a Technical Foul in Basketball?
A technical foul penalizes unsportsmanlike conduct or rule breaches, not contact, and gives the other team a free throw. Rules, examples and ejections.
What Is an And-One in Basketball?
An and-one is when a player is fouled while making a basket and earns one free throw for a possible three-point play. How it works, explained.
The Winningest Coaches in NBA History
Gregg Popovich is the winningest NBA coach ever with about 1,390 regular-season wins. The full leaderboard of the NBA's coaching greats.
WNBA Ball Size: Exact Weight, PSI and NBA Difference
A WNBA ball is size 6, usually 28.5 inches and 20 ounces. See the official rule range, NBA comparison, pressure, material and buying advice.
Worst Record in NBA History
The 2011-12 Bobcats went 7-59 (.106), the worst winning percentage in NBA history. The full list of futility, ranked and explained.
Youngest NBA MVP in History
Derrick Rose won the NBA MVP at age 22 in 2010-11, the youngest ever. The full leaderboard of the youngest MVP winners, explained.
The Youngest NBA Players in History
Andrew Bynum debuted at 18 years and 6 days old, the youngest player in NBA history. The full leaderboard of the league's teen debutants.
Longest Winning Streak in NBA History
The longest winning streak in NBA history is the 1971-72 Lakers' 33 straight. The full list, plus how single-season streaks differ from cross-season runs.
NBA Player With the Most Championships
Bill Russell won the most NBA championships as a player, with 11 for the Boston Celtics. The full ring-count list and why the top is nearly all Celtics.
Which NBA Team Has the Most Championships?
The Boston Celtics have the most NBA championships with 18, one ahead of the Lakers' 17. Full franchise title count by era, updated for 2026.
The Worst NBA Teams Ever: 76ers vs Bobcats
The 1972-73 76ers lost a record 73 games; the 2011-12 Bobcats own the worst win rate (.106) in a shorter, lockout season. Both records, explained.
WNBA Salaries Explained: The 2026 CBA, Supermax and Pay Gap
WNBA salaries in 2026: a $7m cap, a $1.4m supermax and a $270k minimum under the new CBA. How the numbers are set and why they trail NBA pay.
Guess the NBA Player: Poeltl and the Games That Actually Run It
Guess the NBA player games explained. Poeltl is run by the NBA players' union; the league runs its own too. Which one to play, and how the clues work.
82-0 Alternatives: Era Ball, Daily82, Ball IQ and More Compared
If you've played 82-0, here's how Era Ball, Daily82, and Ball IQ's Ultimate Team actually differ — and what to try next.
82-0 Daily Challenge: How It Works and How to Compete
82-0's Daily Challenge and Challenge Your Friends features explained — how shared daily draws and leaderboards work in this genre.
82-0 Classic vs. Hoop IQ: Which Mode Should You Play?
82-0's Classic mode shows full stats; Hoop IQ hides them entirely. Here's the real difference and which one actually tests what you think it does.
82-0 Strategy Guide: How to Build a Winning Roster
How to actually approach 82-0's draft: which stat categories matter most, when to use your skips, and why the highest-overall picks aren't always right.
162-0 and 17-0: How Ball IQ's Other Sports Work
Ball IQ's perfect-season format isn't just basketball. Here's how the NFL (17-0) and MLB (162-0) versions of Ultimate Team actually work.
Best Era Ball Players by Position: Who to Target in the Draft
Which real NBA statistical profiles make the strongest Era Ball picks at each position — and why some star names are better fits than others.
Era Ball Alternatives: 82-0, 98-0, Daily82 & More
The best Era Ball alternatives: how 82-0, 98-0, Daily82, iKnoBall and our own draft-and-sim games compare, across basketball and other sports.
Era Ball Eras Compared: Best NBA Decade to Draft
Every Era Ball decade compared, 1950s to 2020s — what changed about the NBA in each era and which one gives you the strongest roster to draft.
What Is Era Ball? Basketball Draft Game Explained
Era Ball is a free basketball draft game built around NBA eras. Learn its nine-player format, position penalties, modes and where to play.
Era Ball Strategy: Build a Roster That Wins
Win more at Era Ball: which positions to prioritize, when to reroll, offense vs defense, and how to build a roster that beats the sim consistently.
Era Ball Features: Challenges, Leaderboards & Cards
Era Ball's Weekly Challenge, Leaderboard, Lifetime Stats, Achievements and Card Collection, explained — plus how to join the community.
How Era Ball's Simulation Engine Works
What actually drives an Era Ball result: era-adjusted stats, positional fit, coaching bonuses, and the era-distance penalty explained.
How to Go 82-0 in Era Ball: What a Perfect Season Actually Takes
Going undefeated in Era Ball is rare by design. Here's what actually separates a perfect-season roster from a star-heavy team that still loses games.
How to Play 82-0: Rules, Draft, and Simulation Explained
A step-by-step breakdown of 82-0's rules: the slot machine draft, the five stat categories that decide your record, and the skip mechanic.
How to Play Era Ball: Draft, Coach & Sim a Season
Learn Era Ball fast: pick an era, draft your nine-player roster, choose a coach, then simulate the season and playoffs. A quick, free how-to guide.
Is Wilt Chamberlain the Key to Going 82-0?
Wilt Chamberlain's real career numbers are central to why 82-0 went viral. Here is what his statistical profile adds to a Strength Rating build.
Perfect-Season Roster Games: Every Option Compared
Era Ball, 82-0, Daily82, Ball IQ — a growing genre of games where you draft an all-time roster and chase an undefeated season. Here's how they all differ.
What Is 82-0? The Viral NBA Perfect-Season Game, Explained
82-0 is a browser game where you draft a five-player all-time NBA roster and see if it can go undefeated. Here's what it is and why it went viral.
What Is Ball IQ? The Multi-Sport Perfect-Season Game Studio
Ball IQ runs five game modes across NBA, NFL and MLB: daily challenges, fantasy drafts, stat guessers and an Ultimate Team perfect-season mode. See it all.
What Is Daily82? How the Daily Perfect-Season Challenge Works
Daily82 is a daily basketball draft puzzle: five spins, five picks, one shared board for everyone. Here's how it works and how it differs from 82-0.
Where to Play Era Ball: Official Site, Mobile & Login
Play Era Ball on its official website, learn how it works on mobile, and see which features may need a login. Avoid unofficial app listings.
What Is the Shot Clock in Basketball?
The shot clock forces a team to attempt a shot within a set time, 24 seconds in the NBA. Learn how it works, the reset rules, and why it changed the game.
What Is a Triple Threat in Basketball?
The triple threat is a stance where a player with the ball can shoot, pass, or dribble immediately. Learn the position, why it works, and how to get into it.
Pick and Roll in Basketball: How It Works, Types, and How to Defend It
The pick and roll explained: how the screen-and-roll works, its variations, and the defensive coverages teams use to stop it.
Double-Double and Triple-Double in Basketball, Explained
A double-double means double digits in two stat categories; a triple-double means double digits in three. Here is how they are counted and why they matter.
NBA Players Diagnosed With Life-Threatening Diseases
Several NBA players have faced life-threatening diseases during and after their careers. Their stories of diagnosis, treatment, and advocacy still inspire.
Top Female Basketball Coaches Who Have Shaped the Game
The best female basketball coaches ranked by titles, wins, and barrier-breaking firsts, from Pat Summitt and Tara VanDerveer to Dawn Staley and Cheryl Reeve.
NBA Players With Long Hair: Icons of the Court
Long hair has been a trademark for many NBA stars. See the most iconic long-haired players in league history and the styles that made them memorable.
Worst Players in NBA History: The Busts Most Often Named
The NBA players most often called the worst — ranked by the gap between draft slot and production, from Anthony Bennett to Kwame Brown and Darko Milicic.
Most Points in NBA History: All-Time Scoring Leaders
LeBron James holds the NBA all-time scoring record, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 2023. See the top scorers in NBA history and what made them so prolific.
Richest NBA Players Ranked (2026): Net Worth of the Top 12
The 12 richest NBA players ever, ranked by 2026 net worth — from Michael Jordan's Jordan Brand fortune to Magic Johnson, Junior Bridgeman, and LeBron James.
Most Tattooed NBA Players: The 10 Most Inked Bodies in the League
The most tattooed NBA players ever, ranked by coverage and cultural impact — from Chris 'Birdman' Andersen and J.R. Smith to the pioneers Rodman and Iverson.
Shortest NBA Players in History: Small Stars Who Dominated
The shortest NBA players ever stood under 6 feet yet competed, and often thrived, at the sport's highest level. Meet the most notable in league history.
NBA Arenas With the Largest Capacity, Ranked
The largest NBA arenas seat well over 20,000 fans. See the biggest arenas in the NBA ranked by capacity, plus what makes each venue stand out.
Oldest NBA Teams: A History of the League's Founding Franchises
Several NBA franchises date to the league's earliest days in the late 1940s. See the oldest teams, their origins, and what makes each historically vital.
Greatest NBA Players of All Time: The Top 12, Ranked
The 12 greatest NBA players of all time, ranked and explained — Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson and more.
Shortest Person to Dunk a Basketball: The Record
Dunking is seen as a feat of height and hops, yet short players have pulled it off. Here's what we know about the shortest people to dunk a basketball.
Tallest Female Basketball Players in History: Giants of the Game
The tallest female basketball players have used their extraordinary height as a dominant advantage at the highest levels of the sport, from the WNBA to international competition.